Long story short

Our opinions, briefly, on improvements to Lake George boat inspections, Amazon’s drone idea, and the decision by many Moreland Commission members to pass on their own public disclosure.

Protecting Lake George

It’s well worth the estimated $50,000 cost to ensure around-the-clock inspections at the four public Lake George boat launches.

Just consider the $1.5 million that local governments have spent to unsuccessfully control the Asian clam, one of five non-native aquatic species that threaten the crystal clear waters of Lake George.

The Lake George Park Commission voted for the 24/7 coverage last week. The funding will be raised by SAVE, a coalition of municipalities and advocacy groups.

This means boaters will no longer be allowed to put in during off-peak hours merely by signing a form to “self certify” their watercrafts is clean — a loophole big enough to drive an invasive species through.

Anyone call a drone?

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ vision of a fleet of small remote-controlled helicopters delivering packages to customers’ homes sounds a bit, well, pie in the sky.

We can just imagine these aerial bots crashing into buildings, trees or other drones. Not to mention decimating such middle-class occupations as mail and package delivery.

But it does raise a point: With domestic drone use expected to soar in coming years, couldn’t someone come up with a less ominous name than one that’s synonymous with taking out terrorists?

Setting an example

Seeing irony doesn’t seem to be the strong suit of some members of the Moreland Commission on Public Corruption.

Only 10 of its 25 members, Times Union reporting revealed, have filed financial disclosure forms with the state Joint Commission on Public Ethics, including the three co-chairs. Because group is an advisory body, disclosure may not be required.

But really, commissioners: How do you say in one breath that people who influence policy need to be transparent and in the next say your business is nobody’s business?